29 June 2015
Mozambique Decriminalises Homosexuality
Legal International
Mozambique's revised Penal Code came into force, removing colonial-era provisions that had criminalised homosexual acts. The previous code, inherited from Portuguese colonial rule, had penalised 'acts against nature.' Mozambique became one of a growing number of African countries to decriminalise homosexuality, though it did not add explicit anti-discrimination protections.
Impact & Significance
Demonstrated that decriminalisation was achievable in Africa and helped counter the narrative that homosexuality was 'un-African.'
Reference Record
- Date
- 29 June 2015
- Era
- 2010-2019
- Sources
- 1
This timeline entry is being migrated into the reference platform. Source metadata and editorial review status will be strengthened as each topic is upgraded.
Questions This Event Helps Answer
Q How did international law change LGBTQ+ rights? International law changed LGBTQ+ rights by challenging criminalisation, creating partnership recognition, protecting sexual orientation in constitutions and opening marriage equality. Q How did LGBTQ+ asylum protection develop? LGBTQ+ asylum protection developed as refugee law recognised persecution based on sexual orientation and gender identity, then tested whether asylum systems treated claimants safely and fairly. Q Which global LGBTQ+ legal wins changed rights? Major wins included decriminalisation in Mozambique, Belize, India, Botswana, Angola and Singapore, plus Thailand's marriage-equality law.
